My Story of Hyperemesis: October 2009

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Madelyn Francis Stevens

Quick update until I have more time for details:

Birthday - October 28th, Wednesday at 12:47am

Weight - 8 pounds 11 ounces...my smallest baby

Height - 22 inches long...my longest baby

Not sure who she looks like, she has dark blue eyes but i think they will turn brown. She does not have red hair, it is very dark, but not a lot of it. She is very beautiful and perfect!

I was induced at 7:30am on Tuesday and was in labor until 12:47 the next day, I pushed for 2 hours with nothing and they decided to use the vacuum because she was stuck, sure enough she was sunny side up. She has a nice mark on her head from the vacuum.

After birth I hemorrhaged for a few hours and almost had to go to ICU. We didn't leave the delivery room until 4am due to trying to get the bleeding to stop.

Baby had to stay for 36 hours due to the beta strep b, thank goodness she has no signs of it, I did get 3 bags of antibiotics during labor. She is completely healthy.

More info later..........

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

7 hours till we check in!

I am so nervous I could throw up!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

8 days late!

Who would have thought on your 3rd child you would be so late. My mom flew in from Ohio yesterday since my dad had to leave. I am very uncomfortable and hot all the time but hanging in there. Tuesday looks like it will be the day they induce me, hopefully it will be an easy induction, and hopefully Brad will be able to update my blog :) Love you hunny!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

4 days late!

My dad came to see the baby be born and he had to leave today back to Ohio, I am so sad he missed the birth :( Still no signs of baby coming any time soon!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Back from Doctors!

Well Baby passed all the tests with flying colors!!!!!!! They will induce me next Tuesday. We have to wait a whole week!

2 days over due!

So today is test day lets keep our fingers cross they decide to take the baby!

At 9:45 I have to go to the doctors and they are going to see how the baby sounds and if I am dilating any more.

Then I have to eat and have a full stomach, I have to go check into the hospital at 12:15 and have an AFI done which checks the fluid around the baby, then I have to go have a stress test done.

Then I have to drink a bunch of water and go to another place at 3:45 and have an ultrasound done to see if the baby is over 9 pounds!

What a crazy day! Wish me luck! I'll have Brad post if we have this baby!

Happy Birthday today to my mom!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

DUE DATE TODAY!!!!!!!!

And no sign of baby coming!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Tuesday...39.5 weeks..or close enough

Well woke up this morning and I was bleeding, and the electricity was out. I called Brad at work and said I thought we should go to the hospital. We took the kids to Angee's.....Thank you so much Angee!!!!!!!!! Went to the hospital, took forever to get there with the flooding on the freeways. They kept me forever it felt like. We found out:

1. My fluid is a little low it is a 9 it should be between a 10 and 20. I get retested Monday. It was like a 15 I think a few weeks ago.

2. The baby's heart rate was very jumpy...I think she was just moving around a lot.

3. It is a girl....Brad asked when they did the ultrasound.

4. I am bleeding but it is normal it means I could be starting labor. The nurse said within 48 hours, the doctor said with in the week. I still think HAlloween!

Monday, October 12, 2009

39 weeks and 2 days...and no baby!

Yes, no baby, no nothing...they said come back next Monday, and they said they will induce on the 27th! I am never going to survive!

Monday, October 5, 2009

12 days left!!!!!!!!!!

Well had a hard time last night. I was having contractions all night long! I don't think I ever went to sleep. To top it off I kept feeling wet like my water broke, I hate that feeling. I thought by morning I was going to die! I made Brad stay home from work! I had a doctors appointment this morning and my water did not break and I am about 1.5 centimeters dilated. The doctor didn't think I would make it another week, but I have felt fine the rest of the day, my prediction is Halloween! So, no news.

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Causes

The cause of HG is unknown. The leading theories state that it is an adverse reaction to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. In particular, Hyperemesis may be due to raised levels of beta HCG as it is more common in multiple pregnancies (though I never had multiples). It is thought that estrogen produces nausea and regurgitation of stomach acids in some women. A recent study gives "preliminary evidence" that there may be a genetic component (the only other person in my family who has hyperemsis is my cousin). More on causes and theories go to: http://www.helpher.org/hyperemesis-gravidarum/theories-research/index.php

Symptoms

When HG is severe and/or inadequately treated, it may result in:

Loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy body weight
Dehydration, causing ketosis, and constipation
Nutritional deficiencies
Metabolic imbalances
Altered sense of taste
Sensitivity of the brain to motion
Food leaving the stomach more slowly
Rapidly changing hormone levels during pregnancy
Stomach contents moving back up from the stomach
Physical and emotional stress of pregnancy on the body
Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessels in the eyes)
Difficulty with daily activities
Hallucinations

Some women with HG lose as much as 30% of their body weight. Many sufferers of HG are extremely sensitive to odors in their environment; certain smells may exacerbate symptoms.

As compared to morning sickness, HG tends to begin somewhat earlier in the pregnancy and last significantly longer (my last until 20 weeks or half way). While most women will experience near-complete relief of morning sickness symptoms near the beginning of their second trimester, some sufferers of HG will experience severe symptoms until they give birth to their baby, and sometimes even after giving birth.

Treatment

Because of the potential for severe dehydration and other complications, HG is in general treated as a medical emergency. Treatment of HG may include antiemetic medications and intravenous rehydration. If medication and IV hydration are insufficient, nutritional support may be required.

Management of HG can be complicated because not all women respond to treatment. In some instances, women with HG may be able to avoid hospitalization by eating a special diet of clear liquids and bland food rich in carbohydrates,and eating before rising in the morning; while these may be of some assistance, they are unlikely to resolve the disorder on their own. Hypnosis has relieved symptoms in some cases, though the majority of women do not respond to this measure.Wristbands used for motion sickness and seasickness have been shown by one study to be effective in treating some cases of HG, but not others; these are worn around the wrist at a traditional acupuncture point, 3 finger-widths from the joint, and are available at many pharmacies.There is evidence that ginger may be effective in treating pregnancy-related nausea; however, in general this is ineffective in cases of HG. Nothing but medication and hydration have ever helped me personally.

IV hydration - this is what i do

IV hydration often includes supplementation of electrolytes as persistent vomiting frequently leads to a deficiency. A and B vitamins are depleted within two weeks, so extended malnutrition indicates a need for evaluation and supplementation. In addition, mineral levels should be monitored and supplemented; of particular concern are sodium and potassium.

After IV rehydration is completed, patients in general progress to frequent small liquid or bland meals. After rehydration, treatment focuses on managing symptoms to allow normal intake of food. However, cycles of hydration and dehydration can occur, making continuing care necessary. Home care is available in the form of a PICC line for hydration and nutrition (called total parenteral nutrition). Home treatment is often less expensive than long-term and/or repeated hospital stays.

Medications

While no medication is considered completely risk-free for use during pregnancy, there are several that are commonly used to treat HG and are believed to be safe.

The standard treatment in most of the world is Bendectin (also sold under the trademark name Diclectin), a combination of doxylamine succinate and vitamin B6. However, due to a series of birth-defect lawsuits in the United States against its maker, Merrill Dow, Bendectin is not currently on the market in the U.S. (None of the lawsuits were successful, and numerous independent studies and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have concluded that Bendectin does not cause birth defects.) Its component ingredients are available over-the-counter (doxylamine succinate is the active ingredient in many sleep medications), and some doctors will recommend this treatment to their patients.

Antiemetic drugs, especially ondansetron (Zofran), are effective in many women. The major drawback of ondansetron has been its cost. In severe cases of HG, the Zofran pump may be more effective than tablets. Zofran is also available in ODT (oral disintegrating tablet), which can be easier for women who have trouble swallowing due to the nausea. Promethazine (Phenergan) has been shown to be safe, at least in rats and may be used during pregnancy with minimal/no side-effects. Metoclopramide is sometimes used in conjunction with antiemetic drugs; however, it has a somewhat higher incidence of side-effects. Other medications less commonly used to treat HG include Marinol, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.

Other medications that are frequently prescribed for HG are Compazine, Tigan, Phenergan, and Reglan. These can be given orally or intraveneously, or administered as a rectal suppository. They are considered safe for use during pregnancy.^[15]

Nutritional support

Women not responding to IV rehydration and medication may require nutritional support. Patients might receive parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding via a PICC line) or enteral nutrition (via a nasogastric tube or a nasojejunum tube).

Beyond Morning Sickness

BEYOND MORNING SICKNESS......I have read the best book on Hyperemesis and wanted all of the people who read my blog to go out and get this book and read it. You can find the book on amazon.com or go to the author's web page at www.beyondmorningsickness.com it is a wonderful book on hyperemesis. The author has also written a children's book about hyperemesis titled, Mama Has Hyperemesis, and my children loved it! The web-site also offers a great support system and other woman who have gone through hyperemesis!

Spiritual Connection!

I Thank my Heavenly Father every day for the beautiful children and family I have. I know that it is through God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost that I made it through my 3 pregnancies. I know they have a plan for me, I know they love me and watch over me. Through Prayer, scripture study, and church they make it possible for me to survive hyperemesis. You need to be spiritual strong to survive hyperemesis, and the Lord will provide your way. I am happy to be a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.

Hyperemesis does NOT equal abortion!

I have come across many web-sites for women with Hyperemesis that are pro-choice. Some even promote and support women who have hyperemesis to terminate the baby. This upsets me. There are positive treatment options for hyperemesis and women, children and families deserve better than abortion. I do not believe women, and families should choose abortion when there are other options to help with hyperemesis. I hope this blog helps women to choose to keep their baby because if I can do it, anyone can do it! Let us support one another!